Snowball 2013

13 January 2013Katie R, Mackenzie ’13

Chiming, eyes dart towards the clock; it reads 6:00pm. In the Mackenzie House foyer, anticipation rises. Girls are teetering in their heels, chattering to their friends about expectations for the night.

Soon, the foyer is overflowing with juniors and seniors alike. Boys from Ellis, Whittall, Privett and Rogers have all arrived. Some awkward braced smiles are flash by the juniors as they nervously waiting for their Grade 11 or 12 date. Confident boasts come from the senior boys, who are ready to show themselves off to the junior girls in Grades 9 and 10. One by one, dates pose, both confident and awkward, in front of the Christmas tree in classic Mackenzie tradition, as Mrs. Flynn excitedly takes pictures of every couple.

The couples quickly ease out of the house and towards Crooks Hall. Girls balance in their heels as the boys offer their blazers in the cold December evening. Brentwood is lighted in holiday spirit during the most highly anticipated night of the year.

Snowball.

Hosted by Grad 2013, Snowball is a Brentwood tradition in which junior boys and girls set aside their overwhelming nerves and bravely ask a senior as a date for the night. First term is spent preparing: pre-Snowball dates, finding the perfect dress, shoes, and gifts. Everything is overanalyzed, but it all makes for an unforgettable night.

As the couples enter Crooks Hall, the preceding stress and preparation is visually worth it. Hanging from the ceiling are snowflakes and decorations; the tables are all carefully pieced together, with candles and ferns strewn delicately. Crooks Hall has been transformed into a jaw-dropping masterpiece. The holiday spirit was almost overwhelming in the awe-inspiring room.

Everyone settles in before dinner is served. Seats are flooded with students, as the building begins to murmur with conversation. The night is an opportunity to tie Brentwood together as a community with seniors and juniors in harmony.
   
Conversation soon shifts to eagerness, as tables are called forward for photos and food. Scents of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding arouse the senses as students pile up at the lines served by volunteer parents and family. Smiles gleam while professional photographs are taken of friends and dates, with the line growing as many pursue the camera. Scurrying students linger and mingle as the delicious plates of food make their way back to the tables, where conversation continues.

When 7:30 hits, students slowly begin to peel away from the dinnertime discussion. Heels are ditched as the McNeil center fills. Joel B and Tyler A play incredible beats that welcome everyone to the dance. Slow songs come on, and dates are grabbed and the rare occasion of slow dancing occurs at Brentwood. Fast songs come on, and people lose themselves in the music; the last glimpses of the night are danced away.

Sunday is spent recounting the classic Snowball tales to friends; dates thank each other for a wonderful evening. For Grad 2013, Snowball was a bittersweet moment; as always, it is one of the best events of the year, but it is also the last Snowball we will enjoy. For Grades 9-11, scoping of future dates begins that Sunday, as well as the planning for a perfect Snowball 2013.

Thanks to everyone involved for a picturesque evening including Mrs. Martin, the Food Services staff, Grad President Zhi-Yao C and the Grad Council, the parent volunteers, and photographer Mrs. Catharine O’Brien-Bell. Snowball 2012 will not be forgotten.

Katie R, Mackenzie ’13